Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System

ABSTRACT

Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System generally comprising a housing unit, a power source, a motor, a cycler, a switch, and a flasher, wherein the motor, power source, and cycler are substantially housed within the housing unit, and wherein the power source is capable, when the apparatus is turned on via the switch, of powering the motor off and on at random as controlled by the cycler, which is an intermittent timer chip, to manipulate the flasher as to create intermittent “flashes” as flasher rotates and reflects light such as sunlight. A system of two or more intermittent flashing decoys wherein each decoy is controlled by an intermittent timer chip, the cycler, so that no pattern of flashing occurs between any two decoys.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This divisional application claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/255,998, filed on Sep. 2, 2016, entitled “IntermittentFlashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System”, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/213,271, filed on Sep. 2,2015, entitled “Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method andSystem.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale;instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, likereference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or nearidentical structural elements.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing an embodiment of anintermittent flashing decoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay ofthe components depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1a is a cross sectional view showing an embodiment of anintermittent flashing decoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay ofthe components.

FIG. 2 shows representative examples of components comprising anembodiment of an intermittent flashing decoy apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows an exterior view of an alternate embodiment of anintermittent flashing decoy apparatus such as for use in a marineenvironment.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of an intermittent flashingdecoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay of the components.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing an embodiment of anintermittent flashing decoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay ofthe components.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing an embodiment of intermittent flashingdecoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay of the components.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing an embodiment of intermittent flashingdecoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay of the components.

FIG. 9 is an expanded view showing an embodiment of intermittentflashing decoy apparatus to demonstrate the interplay of the components.

DISCUSSION

Outdoor enthusiasts, recreational hunters, and photographers have longrecognized that live animals and game, and particularly live waterfowl,are attracted to areas that appear to be inhabited by similar animals.For this reason, hunters have used decoys to attract live game to withinshooting distance of a hunter's rifle, shotgun or other weapon, andwithin prime viewing distance of photographers and other outdoorenthusiasts. Likewise, decoys and other animal-shaped structures arealso often used to deter certain animals from entering into an area suchas an owl or hawk shaped decoy employed to keep mice away from an area.

The present invention relates to a decoy apparatus and system, using anenclosure to house a motor that is capable of moving a flashingcomponent in a manner that the component will reflect light, attractinganimals to a particular area or deterring smaller rodents from enteringa particular area. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus is intendedto be used in a marine environment such as a marsh and the enclosure iswaterproof.

The widespread popularity of hunting has been met with a large increasein decoy sales and usage throughout the United States. Traditionaldecoys are simple plastic, animal shaped bodies used to attract liveanimal counterparts. Through time and extensive usage, animals became“decoy wise” and learned to avoid such attractions. Intuition in thedecoy market led to the creation and mass-adoption of motion decoys tofool the otherwise “decoy wise” animals. However, the acknowledged “weaklink” for many forms of hunting remains the decoys. Even the motiondecoys have their drawbacks because they are often expensive to produce,have higher upkeep, are substantially large, or exhibit combinations ofthe above limitations. Moreover, while improved decoys do incorporate amotion element, they remain limited in that multiple “motion decoys”generally behave in the same or similar manner, creating a pattern bywhich animals can become “decoy wise” to even the most expensive ofmotion decoys.

A decoy apparatus is disclosed herein which uses a variable chip orcontroller attached to a motor which acts as an intermittent cycler tovariably power on and off a motor attached to a flasher. In one or moreembodiments, the decoy apparatus can be used with or without atraditional decoy body, allowing the cost of the system to be greatlyreduced. Moreover, a system is provided herein wherein multiple of suchdecoys is employed concurrently, thereby creating the appearance of aflock of decoys, wherein at least two intermittent flashing decoyapparatuses can be employed, each of which will be controlled by its owncycler so that no two decoys “flash” in an identical pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope ofclaims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in otherways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to theones described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies. Although the terms “step” and/or “block” or“module” etc. might be used herein to connote different components ofmethods or systems employed, the terms should not be interpreted asimplying any particular order among or between various steps hereindisclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps isexplicitly described.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of apparatuses, mediums, frequencies, and application times.One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that thedisclosed Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System maybe practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

As will be explained in greater detail herein, the embodiment of theIntermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 is based on adevice generally comprising a housing unit 100, a power source 105 a, amotor 107, a cycler 110, a switch 111, and a flasher 115, wherein themotor 107, power source 105 a, and cycler 110 are substantially housedwithin the housing unit 100, and wherein the power source 105 a iscapable, when the apparatus is turned on via the switch 111, of poweringthe motor 107 off and on as controlled by the cycler 110 to manipulatethe flasher 115 as to create intermittent “flashes” as flasher 115rotates and reflects light such as sunlight.

Many decoy applications occur in nature where the decoys will be subjectto the elements. Moreover, it is envisioned that the IntermittentFlashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System may be used in a wetenvironment. Therefore, in multiple embodiments, including the onedepicted, housing unit 100 is a substantially waterproof shell which isused to house motor 107, power source 105 a, and cycler 110 to aid inpreventing these electrical components from being exposed to water orother elements which may short the electrical components. Working fromthe outside inwards, housing unit 100 comprises a motor housing body101, a power source bay 105 located in the base of motor housing body101, a lid 102, and a battery cover 103. Typically, the components whichmake up the housing unit 100 are of a suitably rigid material to protectthe motor 107 and control components which are to be housed within thehousing unit 100, and in many embodiments will comprise a plastic orother resin polymer. However, the various components could be formed outof numerous materials suitable for this purpose.

As depicted, motor housing body 101 and lid 102 are connected viacorresponding threading, wherein motor housing body 101 comprises anexternal threading 101 b substantially adjacent to its upper edge whichcorrespond with internal threading 102 b on the inside wall of lid 102.When the embodiment is intended to be waterproof, a lid seal gasket 102a may be used in conjunction with the threading to prevent water fromseeping into the housing unit 100 at the threading connection. However,multiple variations and different connecting means are capable of beingused, many of which may not utilize a lid seal gasket such as the oneshown as 102 a. As previously indicated, the power source bay 105 of thepresent embodiment is a cavity formed into the base of housing unit 100that is capable of storing the power source 105 a that provides power tothe motor 107. In the instant embodiment, the opening comprising powersource bay 105 is formed directly into the base of the housing unit 100such that the power source 105 a is capable of being inserted andremoved as necessary without the need to remove the lid 102.

In an alternate design of the present embodiment, the lid 102 can befused or otherwise permanently attached to the housing unit 100. Whilethis will prevent access to the motor housed within the unit, it wouldfurther seal the housing chamber from the elements. Moreover, theexternal nature of the battery cover 103 in this embodiment would stillallow for the power source to be removed or inserted.

Battery cover 103 is shaped to substantially cover the opening to powersource bay 105. Battery cover 103 is hinged onto the underside of thehousing unit 100 so that the battery cover 103 is capable of moving froman open to a closed position with relation to opening to power sourcebay 105. Moreover, the battery cover 103 can be secured in a closedposition via numerous securing means such as a screw passing through anopening of the battery cover 103 which corresponds to a threaded hole inthe underside of the housing unit 100. Additionally, when the apparatuswill be used in wet environments, battery seal 104 is used to preventwater from seeping into to power source bay 105. Within the housing unit100, power source connector conduits (wires) run current from the powersource 105 a to the cycler 110 and then to motor 107.

Switch 111 acts as the on/off switch for the apparatus. Accordinglyswitch 111 is preferably accessible from the exterior of the housingunit 100. To accomplish this goal, switch 111 is mounted such that itextends outwards from the interior of the housing unit 100 to theexterior through switch hole 101 c in the motor housing body 101 byattaching switch 111 to switch mount 112 which is attached to the wallof the motor housing body 101. Switch mount 112 has ridges that aid increating at least a partial seal around switch hole 101 c, therebysubstantially preventing water from entering the enclosure. Additionallysoft button 113 is attached around switch 111, further preventing liquidfrom entering the enclosure and protecting the wiring attached to theswitch 111.

Motor 107 is any motor as well understood in the art which is capable ofrotating a drive shaft 114 which in turn is connected to flasher 115. Itis desired, although not required, that the motor 107 is a low voltagemotor capable of operating on a portable power source to a sufficientefficiency such that it can rotate the drive shaft 114 and, thus, theflasher 115 for a period of at least 4 hours. It is preferable that themotor 107 is capable of operating for at least 6 hours from the powersource 105 a on an intermittent basis as discussed below. In alternateembodiments, motor 107 can be an AC motor, a DC motor, a non-gearedmotor or a gear motor.

The motor 107 and drive shaft 114 are mounted inside the housing unit100 such that the drive shaft 114 juts out of the top of the motor 107,as defined in relation to the base and top of the housing unit 100. Thedrive shaft 114 is generally defined by a rod with two ends wherein oneend is in contact with the motor 107 and typically extends from withinmotor 107 on one end, outwards from the motor 107 towards the top of thehousing unit 100, through opening 102 c in lid 102 such that the otherend resides external to the housing unit 100. Flasher 115 is connectedto the external end of the drive shaft 114 such that when the motor 107acts upon and rotates drive shaft 114, the flasher 115 likewise rotates.

As depicted in the Figures, flasher 115 is a longitudinal objectsubstantially in the shape of a wing with two opposing sides, at leastone side being a more reflective side such as by being painted a brightcolor, preferably white, a tip end and a base end. A cylindricalrecessed channel depends into the base end which is slightlydiametrically larger than the drive shaft 114 such that at least aportion of the drive shaft 114 is capable of being inserted into thechannel so as to form at least a partial friction fit. In a relatedembodiment, the channel can also be magnetized so as to magneticallyattach to the drive shaft 114. In at least one embodiment, one side ofthe flasher 115 is a substantially brighter color than the other side.Thus, as the motor 107 rotates the drive shaft 114 and connected flasher115, light will reflect more off the brighter side, causing the flasher115 to “flash” at various points of view.

In various other embodiments, non-wing shaped flashers may be utilized.For example, a disk flasher can be utilized which is housed within adisk cover. Portions of the disk are painted in a light color such aswhite while the remainder of the disk is a dark color, preferably black.For example, viewing the disk as a pie, non-contiguous slices can bepainted white while the remainder of the pie is painted black. The diskis housed within a mostly solid cover that has slots removed in its toplayer. When actuated by the motor 107, the disk rotates within thecover, but the cover remains substantially stationary. Thus, the whitepie slices will be visible and reflect light as they pass the cut-outportion(s) in the disk cover, causing a “flash” to occur. The sameprinciple may be applied in varying shapes such as a three-dimensionalconical structure inside a like-shaped cover, a tube structure, or adome-shaped structure. Those persons having ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that additional flasher shapes may utilized in thisapplication, and nothing in this specification should be construed tolimit the flasher shape to the provided example embodiments.

In certain embodiments, it may be advantageous for the flasher 115 to beremovably connected to the drive shaft 114. For example, whentransporting the apparatus, it may be desirable to separate the flasher115 for ease of storage as the flasher 115 can be an oblong structurethat juts out from the housing unit 100. Additionally, it may bepossible for a flasher 115 to become damaged or dull during use, or itmay simply be more advantageous to use a different flasher 115 underspecific circumstances. Thus, it may be advantageous to remove thecurrently attached flasher 115 and replace it with a different flasher.As discussed, the flasher 115 is connected to the drive shaft 114 via asimple friction fit and the drive shaft connection point 115 a.Additional components can be added such as a catch, mechanical fasteners114 a, or magnetics to more steadfastly connect the flasher 115 withoutrendering a permanent connection.

In other embodiments, the flasher can be permanently attached to driveshaft 114 through numerous means such as molding, fusion, epoxies orthermal insulation.

Inside motor housing body 101 is a series of components used foradequately mounting the motor 107 in the housing unit 100. Although aperson having ordinary skill in the art would recognized numerous meansof mounting the motor 107, some representative examples are depicted inFIG. 1 including a motor platform 108 with a series of divots andprotrusions that correspond and mate with protrusions and divots on theunderside of the motor 107 to help secure the motor into place.

Additionally, a series of motor housing columns 109, which are at leastpartially internally threaded, extend from the motor platform 108. Wheninstalling the motor 107, the motor 107 is placed on the motor platform108 such that the protrusions extending from the base of the motor 107correspond and mate with the divots on the surface of the motor platform108, and the protrusions 8 b extending upwards from the motor platform108 correspond and mate with the divots in the bottom surface of themotor 107. Once the motor 107 is lined up and mated with the motorplatform 108, a motor mount 106, which is a bracket, is placed on top ofthe motor 107 in such a manner that the drive shaft 114 spans throughcentral hole 106 a and the motor housing columns 109 match screw holes106 b. Connecting means, which are screws, are screwed through screwholes 106 b and into motor housing columns 109, securing the motor 107to the motor housing columns 109 and thus to the housing unit 100.

Cycler 110 is a timer chip which cycles power on and off to the motor107. In one or more embodiments, cycler 110 is a variable timer shipwhich cycles power on and off to the motor 107 as determined by a randomgeneration algorithm such that no pattern of cycling is generated.Preferably, the chip is set with minimum time increments to allow forthe motor 107 to actually power on and manipulate the flasher 115;however, additional maximum limitations can also be set. For example,the chip is capable of cycling on and off at random between 1 second andone minute, 1 second and 30 seconds, 1 second and 10 seconds, or 1second and 4 seconds. The maximum and minimum can be adjusted asdetermined by the motor 7 and desired application. Likewise, the cycler110 can be set so as to cause full power to flow when cycled on, or itcould limit the amount of power cycled. Because of the differentialtimer, each cycle could be for a different length, causing anintermittent flash.

As previously indicated, numerous embodiments including the one depictedin FIGS. 1 and 3, are envisioned wherein the Intermittent Flashing DecoyApparatus, Method and System is intended to be used as a floating decoysuch as for waterfowl hunting. In such an embodiment, the housing unit100 will comprise an at least partially buoyant apparatus such that atleast the flasher 115, which is connected to a drive shaft 114 thatprotrudes from the housing unit 100, will be displaced above the water,thereby allowing the flasher 115 to move or spin freely withoutintervention by the water. In such embodiments wherein the apparatus isintended to act as a floating decoy, the housing unit 100 may alsocomprise a keel component 116 which acts to counter the forces caused bythe motion of the flasher 115 and keep the apparatus upright.

It is preferable that power source 105 a is a mobile power source. Forthis reason, the power source 105 a is depicted as a pair of AAbatteries; however, one having ordinary skill in the art would readilyrecognize that the power source 105 a will depend on numerous factorsincluding the motor 107, the amount of energy required to run the motor107, and the drag caused by the operation of the flasher 115.

A system of using intermittent flashing decoys is likewise included inthe present invention. When it is desired to mimic the flashing ofanimals which travel in groups of flocks, such as waterfowls,particularly ducks, two or more intermittent flashing decoy apparatusescan be used in conjunction with each other. For example, when huntingwaterfowl, numerous floating apparatuses can be deployed in conjunctionwith each other in a body of water such to simulate a feeding flock ofbirds. Because the cycler 110 in each apparatus would randomly determineeach on/off cycle, no two decoys would consistently “flash” in concertwith each other, providing an overall randomized flashing throughout thegroup which is more natural to a real flock of feeding ducks.

It may also be possible to create the illusion of a real flock withoutthe cycler 110 being a variable timer chip and instead being a fixedtimer chip. For example, even if two or more intermittent flashingdecoys are deployed, each with a fixed timer chip (for example a 3second on, three second off timer), the appearance of a variable flockcan be obtained by starting at least two decoy apparatuses at differenttimes. Each decoy would act independently of each other by turning onand off at the three second interval; however, they would not activateand deactivate at the same time, creating a variable flash across thedecoys.

Another embodiment of the intermittent flashing decoy apparatus isdepicted in FIG. 3 in which the components are reconfigured to furtherwaterproof the electrical components from the ambient environment. Thedepicted embodiment of the housing unit 100 internalizes all electricalcomponents including the power source 105 a by enclosing the motor 107,the power source bay 105, and the power source 105 a in a substantiallywaterproof chamber formed between the lid 102 and the external housing101.

As shown, lid 102 comprises a circular shaped top 102 e whichcorresponds in shape to the open end of housing 101. A set ofcylindrical walls depend from the interior side of lid 102, each ofwhich defines a chamber, in addition to a plurality of connector columns109. The first cylindrical wall is an outer cylindrical wall 102 d thatwhen connected to the batter unit holster 105 forms an interior chamberthat houses the motor components. This interior chamber will house thecycler 110, the motor 7, the electronic portions of the on-off switch111.

In the previous embodiment, the at least partially threaded columns 109were used to connect the motor platform 108 to the housing unit 100,thereby securing the motor 107 in place. In the present embodiment 100as depicted in FIG. 3, columns 109 depend from the lid 102 and connectthe battery holster unit to the lid 102, thereby creating an interiorchamber between the interior of lid 102, outer column wall 102 d, andthe top of battery holster unit 105 d. In this embodiment 100, screwfasteners are inserted through holes 105 b in the battery unit holster105 d, securing the battery holster unit 105 d to the lid 102 andcreating an envelope.

Within the outer cylindrical wall 102 d, a smaller cylindrical wall 102f depends from the center of the lid 102 that is slightly diametricallylarger than the motor 107. A motor mount 106 is connected to both themotor and the lid 102, thereby securing the motor 7 in place to the lid102. Moreover, a motor platform 108 secures the motor 7 within theinterior chamber defined by the interior cylindrical wall. As with thepreviously disclosed embodiment, the drive shaft 114 extends outwardsfrom the motor 7, through opening 102 c in the lid 102 where it isconnected to flasher 115.

To further secure the motor 7 in place, a spacer connection can be madebetween the bottom of motor platform 108 and the top of battery holsterunit 105. As depicted, this spacer is in the form of a cylindricalprotrusion 108 a extending downward from the bottom of platform 108 thatmates and sockets into a hollow cylindrical socket 105 c extendingupwards from the top of battery holster unit 105 d.

With all the components in place, the battery 105 a can be loaded intothe battery holster unit 105 d, and the housing 101 can be threadablyconnected the lid 102. It is preferable, although not necessary, thatthe buoyancy of decoy 100 is sufficient such that the threadedconnection between lid 102 and housing 101 sits above the water when inuse. Although the present embodiment 100 is designed to be substantiallywaterproof, washers and seals can be employed to safeguard against theleakage of water into the unit.

Turning to the bottom of housing 101, a plurality of protrusions arenoticed which act like rudders or keel components 116. At least one ofthe keel components 116 will have a connector 116 a which is a hole thatwill allow a rope, string, or other tether to be connected to the decoyapparatus. Additionally, at least two of the keel components 116 willhave a secondary stringer divot 116 b which allows for string to becaught as it is wrapped around the decoy apparatus for storage.

For the purpose of understanding the Intermittent Flashing DecoyApparatus, Method and System, references are made in the text toexemplary embodiments of an Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus,Method and System, only some of which are described herein. It should beunderstood that no limitations on the scope of the invention areintended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinaryskill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionallyequivalent components, materials, designs, and equipment may be used.The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent andobvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinaryskill in the art to employ the present invention.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized should be or are in any single embodiment. Rather,language referring to the features and advantages is understood to meanthat a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described inconnection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize that the IntermittentFlashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System may be practiced without oneor more of the specific features or advantages of a particularembodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages maybe recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in allembodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment.

Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used hereinmay be applied to modify any quantitative representation that couldpermissibly vary without resulting in a change to the basic function towhich it is related.

1. A method for attracting game animals comprising: a. the step ofproviding at least two decoy apparatuses, each comprising a housingunit, a motor, a power source, a cycler a flasher, and a power switch;and b. powering on each said at least two decoy apparatuses such thateach flashes, wherein at least two of the decoy apparatuses do not flashin the same cycle.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein at least the motorand cycler are housed within the housing unit, wherein at least aportion of the flasher is located outside the housing unit, wherein thepower source is in electronic communication with the motor and thecycler, wherein the cycler selectively controls the power to the motor,wherein the motor is connected to the flasher such that the motor causesthe flasher to rotate around the vertical axis of the flasher, therebycausing a flash to appear as ambient light strikes and is reflected offthe rotating flasher.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the timer chip iscapable of intermittently providing power to the motor.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 wherein the timer chip operates on a random time generationalgorithm and wherein a minimum and a maximum time interval is set. 5.The method of claim 1 wherein the flasher is a wing-shaped componentwherein a portion of the flasher is more capable of reflecting lightthat the rest of the flasher.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein theflasher is a disk component wherein a portion of the flasher is morecapable of reflecting light that the rest of the flasher.
 7. The methodof claim 1 wherein the power source is a battery.
 8. The method of claim1 wherein the motor is selected from a group comprising an AC motor, aDC motor, a non-geared motor or a gear motor.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein the housing unit is substantially water proof.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein the housing unit is capable of preventing water fromcoming into contact with the cycler and the power source.